Veterans of all walks of life are always looking to answer the question of, ?what?s next??. After a life of serving their country, many are unsure of what the next chapter of life holds in store for them. Many soldiers come from rural backgrounds and look to return to the family farm. Others have received vital training that can serve them elsewhere in the agriculture industry.
Audio: Profit Matters 5-18-21
Agriculture has long been an avenue of soldiers after duty. This goes all the way back to the time of the Civil War. The day after he arrived home from the war, Illinois soldier and farm boy Leander Stillwell wrote in his Civil War Diary ?I doffed my uniform of First Lieutenant, armed myself with a knife, and proceeded to wage war on the standing corn.?
Back in the days of Lt. Stillwell, there weren?t any groups out there helping soldiers find a life after duty. That?s where a group like the Farmer Veteran Coalition comes in. They have been around for a dozen years as of 2021, and the national non-profit helps veterans find careers in agriculture after the terms of enlistment are up.
Natalie Monroe is the Coalition?s Communication Director. She says their mission is twofold.
Monroe says that soldiers and farmers both have a natural desire to serve others. It is what is part of their psyche. Some are returning to family farms, and some are starting their own operation. No matter what the circumstances, many veterans face big challenges in getting started.
Not only do Veterans possess a desire to serve, but some also possess physical and emotional scarring. Monroe says that agriculture can be therapeutic for these individuals.
The Farmer Veterans Coalition has many resources available for veterans and active-duty military. The services are free. Monroe lists some ways you can get in contact with the coalition, including their website.
Monroe encourages all veterans and active-duty military members, who are interested in pursuing a career in agriculture, to get in contact with them.
